Forge and Fiber Works was founded in April 2022 by Pele Warnock, the company’s sole owner and operator.

Our mission is to create high quality wares from sustainable materials, while providing an inclusive and engaging learning environment that generates community on a local and international scale.

Meet the Maker…

Big smiles at Trillium Lake fishing for Rainbow Trout

Teaching Experience

  • 2021-2022: Blacksmith, and Backstrap Weaving Instructor at Von Hand Festival. Schwäbisch Hall, Germany.

  • 2020: Weaving Artist in Residence at Da Vinci Arts Middle School. Portland, OR.

  • 2019-2020: Nature Immersion Program Coordinator at Shinning Star Waldorf School. Portland, OR.

  • 2015-2019: Forest Forge Resident Blacksmith, Outdoor Education Instructor at Trackers Earth. Portland and Sandy, OR.

  Pele Warnock (She-They) is a multimedia artist and educator from the Pacific Northwest. Their current mediums of focus include the metal arts, textiles, ceramics, and wood work. 

Her work combines function and beauty in an effort to make heirloom quality wares that help keep hand crafts alive.

Pele grew up in Portland Oregon where she attended public schools focused in the arts.

Her textile experience started with floor loom weaving at Da Vinci Arts Middle School, and continued at Apulaya Center for Andean Culture in Calca Peru. There she learned backstrap weaving, natural dyeing, and drop spindle. Pele continued her studies in Gujarat India, where she learned to spin cotton on a charkha, and dye fabrics.

Pele was introduced to blacksmithing by Rashelle Hams, who taught Pele the fundamentals of the craft and introduced her to the Northwest Blacksmith Association (NWBA).

The NWBA is non-profit that is education oriented, with the mission to preserve and pass on the knowledge and craft of blacksmithing. Pele has served on the NWBA Board of Directors for 4 years. Through the NWBA, Pele has been encouraged to peruse her love for the metal arts and community building.

Demonstrating at the Northwest Blacksmith Association’s Mentoring Center in Longview, WA

Backstrap weaving at Apulaya in Calca, Peru

Contact me

Forgeandfiberworks@gmail.com

Sandy, OR